One of three damselfly species having males with a predominantly blue abdomen. The marking on the segment at the base of the abdomen is an important identification character and in this species normally takes the form of a black spot with a short ‘stalk’ – but this may vary and several specimens should be examined if possible. The stripes on top of the thorax are particularly broad. Females have much more black on the abdomen and are best identified by the males they are associated with. There is a projecting spine on the underside of the female’s abdomen, somewhat before the tip.

Found on many kinds of static water bodies, including sites with minimal emergent vegetation. It is often the only damselfly species to be found at bare-margined sites; also found at exposed upland tarns and larger bog-pools where there is sufficient open water. The males often fly and perch together in ‘swarms’ – though this may just be because they are congregating in optimal conditions. They male and female remain ‘in tandem’ until the female begins to lay; the female inserts eggs into stems of water plants. The larvae develop over two years.

Emerges in June and is then on the wing until September/October.Found everywhere, and often very abundant.

Photo: mating pair - Stephen Hewitt

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